Lord Victor Brooke, Queen Victoria's godson, has earned Her Majesty's disapproval for an amorous escapade--and so is banned from the Beau Monde while he escorts a royal fianceé to be wed with the King Stephen of the distant Realm of Zararis. To the jaded peer's surprise, 18-year-old Princess Sydella is no mewling debutante, but an intelligent, fresh beauty who soon enchants his proud and well-protected heart. But Sydella is pledged, and honor and empire must rule... Still, fate is the supreme matchmaker, and none may flout her decrees... Their lives in danger, Lord Victor and Sydella brave all for their country, only to be crowned in glory--King and Queen of Love!